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Acupuncture
What
is acupuncture?
What
problems can be treated by acupuncture?
How deep do the needles go?
Does it hurt?
Are the needles clean?
How does acupuncture work?
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
What criteria should one use in choosing an
acupuncturist?
How many treatments will I need?
What should I know about the proposed treatments?
Is there anything I need to do before receiving
an acupuncture treatment?
Is there anything I need to do while receiving
acupuncture?
What can I expect after treatment?
Q:
What is acupuncture?
A:
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific
points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two
thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed
their locations. Top
Q:
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
A:
The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is suitable
for treating the following:
1.
Ear, Nose, and Throat disorders
Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, earaches, sinus inflammation,
nasal inflammation or dryness.
2.
Respiratory Disorders
Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.
3.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach,
chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation,
diarrhea, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
4.
Eye Disorders
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina,
nearsightedness(in children), and uncomplicated cataracts.
5.
Nervous System and Muscular Disorders
Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial
weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting,
frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many other
problems, such as knee pain, sprains and most gynecological complaints.
Top
Q:
How deep do the needles go?
A:
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the
points selected, the patient's size, age, and constitution, and
upon the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, needles are inserted
from 1/4 to 1inch in depth. Top
Q:
Does it hurt?
A:
If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle,
the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling,
or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or
down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In Chinese, acupuncture
is bu tong , painless. Some Western cultures may categorize these
sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any
discomfort, it is usually mild. Top
Q:
Are the needles clean?
A:
The best practice among acupuncturists in America today is to use
sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles should
not be saved and reused for later treatments. This eliminates the
possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated
needle. Top
Q:
How does acupuncture work?
A:
Modern Western Medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional
acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of
Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways
that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do.
According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas
where it is Deficient and away from where it is Excess. In this
way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic
balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is
no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free
flow." Top
Q:
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
A:
Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to
Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and America. In
different countries, different styles have developed based on differing
opinions as to theory and technique. Patients should talk to their
practitioners about their particular style and learn as much as
possible about the treatment being proposed. Top
Q:
What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
A:
Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long
the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what
experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient's specific
ailment.
Acupuncture
is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in about half
the states in the U.S. Ask your practitioner if your state requires
a license to practice. In states that do not currently require licensing,
patients should ask their practitioner if they are certified by
the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.
Acupuncturists who have passed this exam are entitled to add Dipl.Ac
(Diplomat of Acupuncture) after their name. Top
Q:
How many treatments will I need?
A:
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint.
You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series
of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems.
Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
Top
Q:
What should I know about the proposed treatments?
A:
Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem and what
treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell
you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment,
what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner
or by referral to another practitioner or physician. If you agree
to go ahead with the treatments, your practitioner will tell you
what progress to expect, what to do if you do not experience that
progress and what to do if you feel worse. Top
Q:
Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
A: Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the
maximum benefits from your treatment:
1.
Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial
infection.
2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.
3. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses.
Avoid wearing tight stockings.
4. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally
upset, or shortly after sex. Top
Q:
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
A:
Yes, again.
1.
Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner
any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most
benefit possible from the treatment.
2. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable,
tell your practitioner.
3. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness
of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you
are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can
readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let your practitioner know
if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during
the treatment.
4. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to
speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustment
or stop the treatment. Top
Q:
What can I expect after treatment?
A:
You may note a spot of blood at one or more of the needle sites
and/or a small bruise could develop. These should not be harmful,
but please talk to your practitioner if you are concerned.
Patients
often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment.
Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of
their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain
may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only
to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally,
you should expect to feel better.
Most
patients will have more questions. Your practitioner is used to
answering questions such as: Should I continue to see my medical
doctor? Should I continue talking my present medication? What should
I eat? Is there anything I can do for myself at home? What signs
of success should I look for first and after how long? You should
discuss all of your questions in person with your practitioner.
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